Indonesia and Australia officially launched the second phase of the Katalis program on Monday (13/7) in Jakarta. This strategic step under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) framework aims to accelerate trade and investment growth between the two countries through AUD 40 million in funding support from the Australian government.
Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, emphasized that the funds are allocated to expand the scope of business opportunities previously initiated under the Katalis 1.0 program. The main focus of this phase is inclusivity, providing greater space for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), women-led businesses, and groups of business actors with previously limited access to participate in the bilateral trade ecosystem.
In addition to financial support, the Australian government is committed to reducing trade barriers and facilitating the mobility of Indonesian workers and business actors. This initiative is expected to spark innovation, skills development, and concrete partnerships that deliver tangible economic impacts for communities in both countries.
Responding to the launch, Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, highlighted the success of IA-CEPA since its implementation in 2020. Data shows a significant positive trend, with the value of trade in goods increasing from USD 7.2 billion in 2020 to around USD 13 billion in 2025, representing an average annual increase of 10.68 percent.
As a demonstration of long-term commitment, both countries are currently conducting a general review of IA-CEPA to ensure the agreement remains adaptive to global economic dynamics, including digital transformation and supply chain shifts. This process serves as a foundation for Indonesia and Australia in mapping out priority sectors to be strengthened to ensure sustainable economic growth in the future.
